Mornington Peninsula Shire
Agricultural Audit
Gillian Stewart
Rural Business Officer
Economic Development Unit
August 2010
1
Executive Summary .....................................................................................................3
Current agricultural production .................................................................................4
in the Mornington Peninsula Shire .............................................................................4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................5
Peri-urban agriculture............................................................................................................ 5
Interface council.................................................................................................................... 6
Climate change...................................................................................................................... 7
Project background ............................................................................................................... 8
Aim........................................................................................................................................ 9
Project methodology ............................................................................................................. 9
Data sources ........................................................................................................................ 10
Regional profile...........................................................................................................11
Location .............................................................................................................................. 11
History of agricultural production on the Mornington Peninsula ....................................... 12
Water................................................................................................................................... 13
Energy ................................................................................................................................. 14
Employment ........................................................................................................................ 15
Climate ................................................................................................................................ 16
Rainfall................................................................................................................................ 16
Temperature ........................................................................................................................ 17
Frost .................................................................................................................................... 17
Landscape............................................................................................................................ 18
Soils..................................................................................................................................... 19
Results .........................................................................................................................23
Survey ................................................................................................................................. 23
Farm Land rate database statistics....................................................................................... 24
Survey responses................................................................................................................. 25
Survey responses................................................................................................................. 26
Semi-structured interviews.................................................................................................. 34
Food business survey results............................................................................................... 40
Discussion....................................................................................................................42
Opportunities for action ............................................................................................43
Bunyip Food Belt (BFB)..................................................................................................... 44
Supporting value- added processing in the Green Wedge Zone ......................................... 45
Mornington Peninsula branded produce ............................................................................. 45
Agri-tourism........................................................................................................................ 46
Extension and capacity building ......................................................................................... 49
Fodder production ............................................................................................................... 49
Aquaculture......................................................................................................................... 50
Funding opportunities ......................................................................................................... 50
Conclusion...................................................................................................................51
References...................................................................................................................51
Relevant web sites ......................................................................................................52
Relevant reading.........................................................................................................52
Appendices..................................................................................................................53
Appendix A: Shire Farm Land rate qualification................................................................ 53
Appendix B: Agricultural production in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, survey............. 54
Appendix C: Accessing local produce across the Mornington Peninsula Shire, survey..... 56
Appendix D: Soil / Landform Mapping, Mornington Peninsula Shire .............................58
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Agricultural production across the Mornington Peninsula Shire is rich in diversity and scale of
production which is reflective of the nature of the regional characteristics that enable this too occur.
The regional area for agricultural production is approximately 23900 ha or 239km² which is about
33% of the total land mass (720km²).
The Port Phillip and Westernport region, which is inclusive of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, is the
second most valuable agricultural region in the state, producing at least 15% of the total wealth
generated from Victorian agriculture, from less than 4% of the state’s farmland (OSISDC 2010).
Mornington Peninsula makes a significant contribution to this annual production figure with current
estimated values of gross agricultural production in $ 450m (See Table 10).
Commodity – MP Shire
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Vegetables
Poultry (Meat, eggs, pullets)
Wine
Beef Cattle / sheep
Berries
Fruit
Nurseries
Aquaculture
Other
Total
Value of agricultural commodities
produced* ($m)
170
90
75
30
15
10
>20
10
30
450
*The value placed on recorded production at the wholesale prices realised in the market place
(2010 ABS)
It is an important peri-urban region in terms of the place of agriculture in the landscape. The region
offers a diverse range of wine, food, fibre and fodder production in close proximity to a large
metropolitan consumer base and sales distribution network.
The region has the capacity to obtain high yielding quantities of product and achieve very high quality
parameters. However the amount of production is limited by factors such as land parcel size, soil
type, water access, seasonality constraints (temp, rainfall, wind) and economic pressures on
production margins. By starting to address productivity and profitability constraints in the short to
medium term, there will be an opportunity to offset some expectations that all future land use
potential can only be linked to sub division and / or hobby pursuits. In effect agriculture can have a
meaningful role within the landscape that benefits the region and beyond in terms of contributions
to food security.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bunyip Food Belt – targeting new production zones
Mornington Peninsula Branded Produce
Supporting value added processing in the Green Wedge Zone
Agri-tourism
Extension and capacity building
Aquaculture
Fodder production (hay, silage)
Research & Development Funding
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
3
CURRENT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
IN THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE
carrots, broccoli, celery, parsnips, leeks,
endive, wombok, cabbage, cauliflower,
rhubarb, silver beet, beetroot,
herbs, parsley, radish,
spring onions, spinach, salad mix, baby cos,
asian & bunched vegetables
beef cattle, fat lambs, alpaca’s,
chicken meat, pullets, eggs
apples, apple cider, apple juice
pears, plums, pomegranates
cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
avocados, artichokes
native flowers, nurseries, cut flowers
grapes – eg. pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay
organic vegetables, chemical free garlic
goats cheese & milk curd
truffles, tomatoes, saffron, honey
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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INTRODUCTION
PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE
History of agriculture near Australian cities has generally involved intensive farming established to
capitalise on the easy access to markets for perishable goods, as well as favourable soils, climate
water supply. As the cities expand and land prices rise, the urban fringe farmer intensifies
production on smaller lots or sells land for housing and re-establishes further out where land is
cheaper. This cycle repeats itself as a city continues to expand (Outer Suburban Interface Services
and Development Committee, OSISDC, 2010).
These are the peri-urban regions are where growth corridors, green wedges, rural residential living
and working farms meet. According to the Department of Sustainability & Environment the periurban region extends approximately 150 kilometres around Melbourne with the green wedges a
subset of this area. These areas are considered to be rural and semi-rural land adjacent to and
influenced by an urban centre (OSISDC 2010)
The operation of a commercial farm in these regions is challenging for reasons that may differ from
what may be experienced in a more traditional rural area zone. In this region, there are generally
more tensions resulting from interactions between rural landholders and urban dwellers due to the
close proximity of rural and urban living and the lack of understanding of the critical timeliness of
farm management practices throughout the growing season.
The Port Phillip and Westernport natural resource management region (Figure 1) is the second
most valuable agricultural region in the state, producing at least 15% of the total wealth generated
from Victorian agriculture, from less than 4% of the state’s farmland. The region is densely
populated and therefore presents some unique issues, such as the impacts that come with
population growth, urban and agricultural development (NRM 2010).
Mornington Peninsula Shire Figure 1. The Port Phillip and Westernport Natural Resource Management region
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
5
Mornington Peninsula contributes significantly to these production figures and is an important periurban region in terms of the place of agriculture in the landscape. The region offers a diverse range
of wine, food, fibre and fodder production in close proximity to a large metropolitan consumer base
and sales distribution network.
Strategically, Mornington Peninsula is well positioned to draw in a substantial population of tourists
to offset a significant level of reliance on out-of-region produce sales for some enterprises. There
are numerous micro-agribusinesses scattered across the shire which specialise in seasonal, niche
produce and local sale points to enable reasonable profit margins to be achieved. The climatic
conditions are also conducive to maximising yield potential and meeting exceptional quality
parameters for lucrative boutique markets.
A recent parliamentary committee into “Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer
Suburban Melbourne -OSISDC, 2010” has identified Mornington Peninsula as an important region to
be included in any decision-making regarding preservation of agricultural soils and land management
in Melbourne’s collective peri-urban regions.
Key reasons highlighted in the report include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Future proofing –keeping farmland near cities builds resilience to climate change;
Food distribution systems – peri-urban regions will have an added advantage in terms of costs;
Food miles – there is strong perceived consumer demand for locally-produced foods.
The need to retain food-producing farmland – global population growth demands that food
production be doubled within 40 years;
Water and waste – peri-urban regions are ideally located to recycle urban water and waste
to provide water and nutrients for nearby agriculture;
Economic development – agriculture on Melbourne’s fringe is economically significant and
supports direct and indirect local employment close to where people live;
“Liveability” – 80% of rural land in the green wedges is privately owned and farmers maintain
the green wedge landscape for benefit of the wider community and public access to “vistas”;
Food security – local food production strengthens “food security” which is defined as the
state in which all persons obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally acceptable , safe foods
regularly through local non-emergency sources; and
Ecosystems services – farmland provides biodiversity, water supply, contributes to catchment
health, carbon storage (OSISDC 2010)
The inquiry announced 84 recommendations of which a number align with priorities for this region.
Relevant recommendations will be referred to in the discussion section and highlighted where they
link to support regional strategies.
INTERFACE COUNCIL
Mornington Peninsula Shire is defined as an Interface Council – one of eight municipalities
surrounding metropolitan Melbourne. Other councils that make up this group are the municipalities
of Cardinia, Hume, Melton, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.
The Interface, as a group, is composed of no more than 30% urban area and no less than 70% rural
area. The rural parts of the Interface Councils are home to the Green Wedges –significant tracts of
highly valuable agricultural and environmental land. However, the Victorian Government’s
classification of the “rural” lands within the interface municipalities as “urban” prohibits the regions
from qualifying for numerous rural or regionally targeted government grants. (Interface Council
2007).
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
6
CLIMATE CHANGE
A recent report on the impact of climate
change in the Western Port region
examined the nature and extent of
potential impacts of climate change to this
region in terms of environmental, social
and economic vulnerabilities of different
localities and groups.
Key findings that are linked to agricultural
production within the region indicate that:
• The Western Port region is
significantly exposed to climate
extremes and natural hazards such as storm surge and coastal inundation, floods, bushfires
and extreme temperatures. These hazards are projected to increase in frequency and
severity, although the maritime climate will have a moderating effect not afforded to most
other districts of Victoria, increasing the agricultural production value of the Mornington
Peninsula due to lower risks of crop failure due to extreme heat events.
• Average rainfall in the Western Port region is projected to decline by up to 8% in 2030 and
23% by 2070, with reductions potentially coming in all seasons but especially in winter and
spring.
• Drought frequency and intensity are projected to increase (Kinrade & Preston 2008),
although not to the extent expected in non-maritime regions.
A more detailed analysis of the actual local connections between of the impact of climate change and
agriculture will help the region quantify more specifically the direct implications of projected
temperature and rainfall variances and industry vulnerabilities.
In particular, water access and seasonal rainfall variability on future productive capacity and
enterprise risk management and temperature effects influencing the maritime cool climate status, so
important for the success of quality production.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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PROJECT BACKGROUND
In April 2009, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council approved the Economic Sustainability Strategy
(ESS). The Strategy provides a framework to facilitate sustainable economic development for the
Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS).
The ESS is aligned with the Shire’s Strategic Plan 2009 – 2013, Supporting a Sustainable Peninsula
economy and in particular Goal 4: Supporting a Sustainable Peninsula Economy of which there are 4
outcomes:
4.1 Prosperous Rural Economy
4.2 Sustainable Tourism
4.3 Resilient Economy
4.4 Increased investment
The ESS identified 63 projects of economic significance and prioritised 19 for implementation. These
projects are in areas that would have the most impact from the allocation of Economic
Development Unit (EDU) resources and are complementary to the outcomes stated in the ESS and
the Shire’s Strategic Plan.
Fourteen of the ESS projects specifically relate to agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics and
horticulture and link to:
Outcome 4.1 Prosperous rural economy
o 4.1.1 To foster and encourage agriculture and promote the Peninsula’s rural Sector;
o
4.1.2 To provide timely and reliable information to assist informed rural businesses decision
making;
o
4.1.3 To maximise rural business opportunities through the advocacy for the removal of
regulatory impediments (right to farm);
o
4.1.4 To develop and grow local business including agri-tourism and intensive agriculture;
o
4.1.5 To increase diversity of rural business enterprises through networking and industry
development; and
o
4.1.6 To foster a capable and adaptive local workforce.
Before any further project development has been undertaken there was a need to gain a better
understanding of the broader position and role of agriculture in the region. Establishing baseline data
to update the shire’s understanding of diversity and scale of agricultural production systems in terms
of yields, diversity, quality and annual economic contributions is critical.
The strategic agricultural profile for Mornington Peninsula region is ad hoc and fragmented, in terms
of what is known about the rural production systems and products being generated within the
various landscape topographies. Therefore, a current and accurate position of the agricultural
landscape will ensure on-ground projects that engage with relevant stakeholders will be
implemented in a targeted and timely delivery framework.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
8
AIM
A Rural Business Officer was appointed to undertake an agricultural audit to enable the organisation
to develop a better understanding of the scale and diversity of agricultural production system across
the region.
The aim of the project was to gather data that would help better describe the region in terms of the
location, type and size of rural industries that currently sit within the shire boundaries. In addition,
it will also help identify opportunities for agribusiness to obtain greater support, in terms of
knowledge and capacity building, networking, critiquing productive capacity, value adding and
marketing.
Planning and development of future rural projects will benefit from the audit with the baseline data
to be used for the following purposes: • Benchmarking current industry production, economic and social trends;
• Designing monitoring and evaluation strategic plans;
• Development of strategies and engagement processes to meet stakeholder needs;
• Indentifying current and future investment priorities; and
• Facilitating the strategic development of projects targeting triple bottom line goals aimed at
enhancing profitable, environmental and social resilience in rural landscapes.
PROJECT METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive audit has been undertaken to determine the following elements of agriculture
within the region:
o Identification of the range of agricultural production systems within the shire and update
knowledge on the value and contribution of agriculture to the regional and state
economy;
o
Determine the quantity and value of production on a per industry basis (tonnage, total
area grown, quality, $ value);
o
Identify key networks that support Research & Development, capacity building,
marketing and strategic funding opportunities;
o
Summarise key markets for produce – local, regional, intra / interstate and export points
of sale; and
o
Highlight opportunities for raising the profile of agriculture and value added food and its
productive value within the MP shire.
This audit draws on a combination of existing data sources to collect information regarding
agricultural production in the Mornington Peninsula Shire. New information has also been generated
by analysis of survey data, semi-structured interviews and review of the Farm rate database for land
parcel size and key agricultural practices.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
9
DATA SOURCES
The sources of data that have been used for this audit include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS);
Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE);
Victorian Department of Primary Industry web site;
Department of Sustainability and Environment web site;
Rural Research and Development Corporations;
State and local government reports;
Semi-structured interviews conducted with local agribusinesses;
MP Shire Farm Land rate eligibility database (Appendix A)
Survey sent to 1289 eligible “Farm Land rate” landholders (Appendix B );
Survey sent to 450 local food business end users of produce (See Appendix C).
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
10
REGIONAL PROFILE
LOCATION
The Mornington Peninsula Shire (Figure 2) is located on the south eastern tip of Port Phillip Bay. It
has a total area of 720km² of which 30% is classified in the urban growth boundary and the
remaining 70% designated Green Wedge Zone.
Much of the topography is flat in the north where it connects to the mainland, however moving
south-west, it soon becomes hilly, culminating in the central hilly landscapes of Boneo, Main Ridge,
Red Hill, Tuerong and Moorooduc. The highest point, Arthurs Seat, located close to the shoreline,
stands at 305m (1,001 ft) above sea level. The peninsula hosts around 190 km of coastline which
accounts for about 10% of Victoria’s overall ocean border. The region is the traditional home of the
Bunurong people and has a rich history of human settlement dating back 40,000 years.
Figure 2: The Mornington Peninsula Shire – Township boundaries
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
11
HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Historically, the agricultural sector has been a key element of the local economy and landscape since
the late 1800s. The region was initially opened up for livestock (cattle and sheep) and cultivation
(wheat), the first major rural industries to take advantage of the peninsula’s climate and soils to
develop production systems and provide food for the developing city of Melbourne.
In the early twentieth century orchards and nurseries joined sheep and cattle as major land uses in
the shire and by the mid 1900s horse studs and poultry farms had developed a large presence. The
region had been renowned for its fertile soils, reliable rainfall, quality produce and locality near a
growing metropolitan city. The 1990s saw the region strongly associated with an increase in
vineyard plantings and a significant effort to establish a wine making industry, which is recognised to
an international standard in the current day. It must be noted that regional settlement history
records the presence of some vineyards in as early as 1864 at Balcombe’s property (Butler 1994).
The urban encroachment into the traditional farming regions around Melbourne has influenced the
modern day shape and size of landholder parcels and has been a contributing factor to the
redistribution and removal of certain agricultural production capacity within the region. As demand
for lifestyle farming and urban living in the region increased so did the redistribution of land use
planning and management to meet the demands for housing while maintaining a large proportion of
the landscape for rural pursuits.
Current day, the landscape is dotted with vineyards, olives, beef cattle, fodder, fruit trees,
vegetables, rolling pastures, a significant equine industry and a wealth of small niche produce
enterprises gathering an ever increasing presence in the region. Behind these visual appearances are
numerous enterprises generating millions of dollars in agricultural production often undervalued in
terms of its known dollar value and contribution to the Victorian agricultural economy. While a
number of sectors generate more output, the agricultural sector continues to have a key role
culturally by its associated lifestyle and activities. Environmentally it also contributes to providing a
scenic landscape that is valued by the influx of visitors throughout the year who are captivated by
the vista that presents itself once people enter the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is an important example of peri-urban agriculture with the potential for
increased production by many micro-businesses as indicated in the survey and interviews (see
results and discussion).
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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WATER
Responsibility for urban and rural water supplies across the Mornington Peninsula Shire are
maintained and regulated by two main authorities:
South East Water - a provider of water, recycled water sewerage, trade waste and water saving
services for residents and businesses; and
Southern Rural Water - a water corporation owned by the State Government, responsible for
harvesting and supplying water from our catchments including water trading licences to use and take
water from rivers, streams, drainage systems and groundwater aquifers, metering, bore construction
and decommissioning licences, construction and operating licences for farm dams and monitoring
and managing water levels in streams and aquifers.
Commercial agricultural water supply
Water for use in commercial scale agricultural production across the region is sourced from a
combination of recycled water schemes which deliver between Class A and C quality for crop and
pasture production, on-farm dam storage, and licensed bore water accessions, supplemented by
natural rain events throughout the year.
In particular, intensive horticultural production relies heavily on a combination of irrigation and rain
fed water supplies to ensure adequate amounts are available throughout the growing season.
On-farm dam storage provides the majority of water available for intensive agricultural production
in the northern section of the shire. In the southern peninsula the Boneo water treatment plant has
the current capacity to deliver 1.6 gigalitres of Class A recycled water / year to growers in the
designated Boneo production zone. This capacity is projected to double to 3.2 gigalitres once the
Eastern Treatment Plant upgrades are completed in late 2012. Recycle water quality is also an ongoing issue with concerns about the definition of what standards Class A water must meet in terms
of salt concentrations. Currently Boneo water salt concentrations are < 550 ppm EC which qualifies
for “fit for purpose” usage.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
13
There are some site specific water quality issues regarding high salt concentrations and some
growers are actively seeking alternatives to “shandy” water supplies to dilute the impact of high salt
concentrations on crop production.
Fresh water aquifers in the region can be accessed to provide water for stock and domestic
consumption, however the Nepean Aquifer in the southern peninsula has been capped for
commercial use. Another aquifer located in the central and northern sections of the Green Wedge
Zone varies considerably in terms of water yield but it is accessed for use within the Shire around
Hastings, Tyabb and Somerville for non agricultural purposes.
ENERGY
Electricity is the main energy source available for rural enterprises across the region. The Victorian
Farmers Federation (VFF) through Origin energy offers an electricity rebate for current members.
Benefits of this offer include:
o
exclusive electricity rates;
o
a fixed electricity rate until 31 December 2012*; and
o
available for both residential and business meter types (2010 VFF).
Intensive chicken farming enterprises are heavily reliant on stability of electricity supply especially in
times of vulnerability e.g. high temperature conditions for extended periods. Electricity costs are
constantly rising and with a 55,000 bird farm currently averaging $800 / monthly bill. There is also a
substantial amount of Liquid Petroleum Gas 9LPG) used for heating broiler sheds to maintain a
constant growing environment of around 34º C for young chicken until they reach full feather and
increase in size.
Access to natural gas is limited as the pipelines do not extend far inland or up into the hinterland,
with availability limited to bottled gas which is mainly used in domestic households.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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EMPLOYMENT
The 2006 Census shows there were 923 people employed in the Shire’s agriculture, forestry and
fishing industries, making up 2.4 percent of the municipality’s local workforce (Source: ABS, 2006
Census Quick Stats: Mornington Peninsula)
The 2007 Australian Bureau of Statistics count of businesses recorded 792 businesses operating in
Mornington Peninsula under the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing classification; around 75 percent
of these businesses were non-employing, although 15 businesses employed between 50 and 99
people. Around half of all businesses had an annual turnover of under $75,000. (ESS 2009).
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
15
CLIMATE
The Mornington Peninsula is a temperate southern Australian climate with cool, wet winters and
warm dry summers. It is well recognised and characterised by its cool maritime attributes which are
highly prized growing conditions for a range of fresh produce including specific varieties of grapes,
apples, strawberries, cherries, olives, avocados and vegetables. A mild climate, high and welldistributed rainfall, good soils and ready access to markets have combined to make the region an
important farming area for a range of seasonally selected enterprises.
RAINFALL
The Mornington Peninsula rainfall distribution pattern provides reliability in terms of monthly
average rainfall ranging from 40 – 70 mm over the year and provides additional water security to
rain fed and irrigated agricultural production systems across the region (See Figure 3).
80
80
70
70
60
60
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
Ju
Jlyu
ly
Se
Spe
tep
mte
bme
br e
N
r
oNv
oevm
ebm
ebr
er
Mean monthly Total Rainfall
Mean monthly Total Rainfall
(mm)
(mm)
M
aMy
ay
Ja
Jnau
naur
yar
y
M
aMr
cahr
ch
mm rainfall
mm rainfall
Mean m onthly Total Rainfall (m m )
Mean m onthly Total Rainfall (m m )
Month
Month
Figure 3: Mean monthly total rainfall (mm)
However, rainfall in the region has been consistently lower than average over the past decade with
rainfall reliability falling from 900 mm to 650 mm across the year. It has also been noted that greater
intensity summer storm patterns are increasing in their occurrence this decade than has previously
been experienced.
Arthurs Seat can cause a rain shadow effect
as the mountain rain storms can be
dissipated especially when heading across
from Port Phillip Bay. Generally, the South
Westerly drizzly weather patterns of low
pressure systems sitting in Bass Strait give
the region good reliable rainfall and bring
gentle soaking rain with it. These rainfall
events are ideal for infiltration into soils
with a high water holding capacity. Water
erosion is limited on the slopes due to the
excellent groundcover that is maintained all
year round, which minimises sediment flows
into creek systems and dams.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
16
TEMPERATURE
Temperature influences are critical to the ripening periods for produce and can have a substantial
impact and critical growth periods including flowering and seed setting. The coastal influences on
both sides of the peninsula provide a heat sink to buffer some extreme temperature impacts
especially during summer.
In general, extreme temperature events tend to be limited in their ferocity especially with respect to
frost risk, however extreme heat events such as experienced in Feb 2009 will cause irreparable
damage if timing with flowering or ripening occur.
The maritime climate includes the influences of the two bays and the “heat sink” buffer the ocean
water can provide to reduce the extreme temperature influences on production across the
peninsula compared with other inland regions. Mean daily temperature maximums range from 1225Cº while minimum daily temperatures sit between 6-12Cº. See Figure 4 for temperature
distribution pattern.
Average m onthly daily tem perature - Min. & Max (C)
Average m onthly daily tem perature - Min. & Max (C)
30
30
25
25
20
20
Mean Daily Minimum
Mean Daily Minimum
Temperature ( C )
Temperature ( C )
Mean Daily Maximum
Mean Daily Maximum
Temperature ( C )
Temperature ( C )
15
15
10
10
0
5
0
January
January
February
February
March
March
April
April
May
May
June
June
July
July
August
August
September
September
October
October
November
November
December
December
5
Figure 4: Average monthly maximum and minimum daily temperature for Mornington
Peninsula
FROST
The majority of vegetable and salad crops can be grown all year round because of the low frost risk
which makes the region a highly desirable location for crop production and supply to markets 12
months of the year. The effect of frost is limited in the region due to the maritime climatic
influences and generally warm wind flows from across Port Phillip or Western Port bays. The Boneo
district has been described as one of the best market garden regions to grow vegetables due to the
low frost risk by local growers.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
17
LANDSCAPE
The landscape across the region ranges from rich, volcanic slopes throughout the hinterland, sandy
flats in the lower part of the region and the Moorooduc plains across the middle, and Bittern land
up in the north of the region. The landscape has many key features or reference points for linking
agricultural productivity and soil mapping units quite accurately to which current day agricultural
systems are connected. Soils largely determine potential production on the Peninsula, except for
some intensive production such as greenhouses and broiler sheds. The red volcanic soils commonly
support horticulture and vineyards and are potentially viable economic units.
The landscape comprises many sloping hills which contain meso and micro-climates. These are often
referred to in terms of a specific vineyard site or land production portion of a site that is unique.
They are able to take advantage of production and quality niches where particular crops can access
timely sunlight and protection from weather elements during critical growth stages which heavily
influence quality, flavour, size and market access.
The region has many different landforms that represent an ancient landscape that comprises sandy
limestone aquifers, granite outcrops, basalt plains and sedimentary deposition. This unique set of
landforms provides such a diversity of options for production within such a small area.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
18
SOILS
Soils across the peninsula vary in
structure, texture, fertility and water
holding capacity. There are 20 soil
mapping units that comprise the majority
of landform features with another 16
complexes that influence small areas of
land management scattered throughout
the region (Appendix D).
There are seven principal soil mapping
units that provide the majority of fertile
ground
suitable
for
agricultural
production (See Table 1 & Fig 5). The
characteristics of these soil types link
strongly to specific production systems
and enable productive capacity and quality to be maximised. This is provided critical seasonal growth
influences such as rainfall, temperature, wind, sunshine, evaporation and frost are able to be
harnessed efficiently at key growing stages. (e.g. vegetative growth, flowering, ripening). The key soil
mapping units linked to agricultural production in the shire are:
1. Bittern (Bi)
The Bittern mapping unit is the predominate soil and associated land system across the
Mornington Peninsula. These soils are duplex in nature and described as hard and mottled
yellow with a very distinct break marked by a thin, acid cement/sand pan between the surface
soil and the underlying friable, well-drained clay. This soil is mostly cleared and supports
improved pastures, scattered mainly across the northern and eastern parts of the peninsula. The
addition of organic matter and use of fertilisers and irrigation enables these soils to become
highly productive and they can be continuously cultivated. Therefore, this mapping unit is prized
for intensive horticultural production with a wide range of vegetables grown and two or three
crop rotations achieved per year.
2. Red Hill (Rh)
Red soils of volcanic origin are very deep, fertile friable and porous soils and often described as
red ferrosols, which reflects the high iron oxide content. The typical surface soil of the red
ferrosol is dark reddish brown light clay or clay loam with a strong fine crumb structure, grading
at about 200mm, into a strong brown or dark reddish brown light or medium clay with some
small ironstone concretions. The soils within this mapping unit are highly prized for vineyards,
berry crops and orchards, particularly apples. Where slopes are favourable, vineyards are a
preferred option as once the vines are well established on this soil the need for supplementary
water is minimal.
3. Rosebud (Ro)
The Rosebud surface soils are typically dark grey sands becoming lighter in colour at around
300mm. They are typically acidic with a pH around 5.5 to 6.0 and increasing with depth. Most of
the developed parts of this landscape are under grazing, however there are some vegetable
production unit on the lower slopes near Boneo road. Like the soils on the Boneo mapping unit,
these soils are poor chemically and as they are sandy retain little water but are able to be
turned into highly productive soils with the addition of irrigation, fertilizers and organic matter.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
19
4. Boneo (Bo)
The Boneo surface soils are loamy sands and these continue to a considerable depth. Variations
in surface colour are mainly due to organic matter differences. The pH of the surface soils is
generally around 7, with the pH increasing with depth. These soils are poor chemically and have
a low water holding capacity due to their sandy texture, however with the addition of fertiliser
and irrigation they are capable of producing high yielding vegetables crops all year round.
5. Langwarrin (Lw)
The surface soils are generally grey or light grey loam to silty loam about 150 mm deep. This
mapping unit tends to be centrally located east of Dromana and extends up towards
Moorooduc. Where the rainfall is lower and the soils are exposed to more salt laden rain, the
subsoils may exhibit sodic characteristics such as low porosity and hard setting layers which limit
fibrous root penetration. Although these soils are well drained externally, their internal drainage
is very slow because of the impermeable clay subsoil. Until fairly recently the soils were used for
grazing, but increasingly they are being used for viticulture, if the slopes are favourable.
6. Cranbourne (Cr)
The Cranbourne mapping unit occurs in the north-eastern part of the Mornington Peninsula
Shire. The surface soils are typically quite acidic with a pH around 4.5 to 5.0 and the subsoils
around pH 4.5 to 5.5. The sandy texture of the soil prohibits it from retaining water, however
with irrigation, fertilizers and additional organic matter they have the capacity to be highly
productive and can be cultivated most of the year with two or more crops able to be grown
annually. Most of the land is cleared and is used for intensive horticultural production systems.
7. The Cups (Cp)
The unique landscape west of Trueman’s road is known locally as “The Cups”. It comprises
strong, undulating dunefields with short steep slopes and enclosed depression. The land has little
value for vegetable production, due to its topography, but is extensive grazing capacity on some
of the larger parcels in the area. (Sargeant 2003).
Soil / land system s
% area linked to agricultural production ( in MP Shire)
Bittern
2%
The Cups
2%
Red Hill
25%
5%
Langw arrin
5%
Rosebud
27%
7%
8%
Flinders
Merricks
8%
11%
Boneo
Cranbourne
Non-agricultural land
Figure 5 – Key agricultural production soils across the Mornington Peninsula Shire
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
20
Table 1. Soil mapping units and key agricultural production systems
Soil mapping
unit
Land use pattern
Description
Area (ha)
% area of Shire
Comments
Intensive horticulture
Grazing / Equine
Hay
Poultry*
Livestock
Miscellaneous
Tree crops
Vegetables
Beef, Equine, Alpacas
Fodder
Broiler sheds
Apples /Olives
Viticulture
Cut flowers / nurseries
19,400
27
Sodic clay subsoil present which
can impede root development and
water penetration
Red Hill
Tree crops, livestock grazing
Viticulture
5,850
8.0
Langwarrin
Grazing, pasture
9,265
7.9
Rosebud
Intensive Horticulture
Olives, apples, pears, berries
Beef, alpacas
Avocados, Viticulture
Beef, equine
Viticulture
Broiler
Vegetables
Strawberries
Broiler
5,183
7.2
Flinders
Grazing /hay
8,250
5.3
Merricks
Boneo
Poorly drained
Intensive horticulture
Beef, Equine
Hay
General grazing
Veg / cut flowers
3,749
1,383
5.2
2
Cranbourne
Intensive horticulture
Vegetables
1,310
1.8
The Cups
Limited grazing
Beef
8,011
11* (estimate 5% in
rural zone)
75 %
Bittern
Total
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Close to Port Phillip Bay, which
influences salt content allowing
sodium accumulation in the sub
soil
Deep, friable, porous soils highly
prized for berry crops, orchards
and vineyards
Impermeable clay subsoil causes
slow internal drainage and water
logging is prevalent
Raised elevation in the landscape
– irrigation may influence
groundwater quality and depth
lower in the catchment
Mainly suited to improved
pastures
Poorly drained during wet periods
Low fertility and water holding
capacity but can be cultivated
over the whole year
Surface and subsoil pH 4.5-5.5 –
strongly acidic
Topography limits land use to
grazing
21
Other soil units
There are of other soil / land systems scattered across the region that also provide some
level of productive capacity – mainly perennial pastures for grazing and fragile, sandy systems
that support coastal vegetation and urban development. These are the Dromana, Arthurs
Seat, Hastings, Pearcedale, Toomuc and Bittern sandy loams and Flinders clay mapping units
or combinations of complexes which can be subdominant or co-dominant in their inherent
nature.
Soil properties – farm management considerations
There are a number of soil characteristics that influence the degree to which agricultural
productive capacity can be maximised or restricted within a particular land system. These
include:
• pH
• Organic carbon and nutrient status
• Structure and texture,
• Sub soil constraints, compaction and hardpans
• Drainage / infiltration capacity
• Sodicity and Salinity
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
22
RESULTS
SURVEY
Surveys were sent to 1289 owners of Shire Farm Land rate parcels. (This figure takes into
account a number of owners of multiple parcels). In total, 1126 Farm Land rate shire
residents were given the opportunity to respond to the survey and provide input into the
audit to update knowledge. The survey asked questions to help:
o
Determine the quantity and value of production on a per industry basis (tonnage,
total area grown, quality, $ value);
o
Identify key networks that support research and development, capacity building,
marketing and strategic funding opportunities;
o
Summarise key markets for produce – local, regional, intra / interstate and
export points of sale; and
o
Highlight opportunities for raising the profile of agriculture and value added food
and its productive value within the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
The survey was designed to collect specific baseline information to help build a more robust
picture of scale and diversity of agricultural production. Both quantitative and qualitative
methods were used to focus on specific data collection about key components of the
enterprise and enable people to provide feedback on some more strategic elements
concerning the rural landscape and future opportunities. Refer to Appendix B for the
agricultural survey.
The Shire Farm Land rate database was also used to identify the land ownership
demographics for the region, see Table 2. There was a high rate (33%) of owners having an
external shire mailing address. This is an interesting land ownership demographic from an
agricultural perspective because traditionally rural communities relying heavily on agricultural
industry for income would have a much higher rate of local residency.
Table 2. Summary of survey demographics for land ownership
Survey
No. of mail outs
No. of multiple land owners in
mail out
No. of total owners in mail out
Sub groups
No. of Government parcels
Local residential address
External residential address
Total number
1289
163
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
%
100
12.6
1126
5
745
376
0.03
66.54
33.43
23
FARM LAND RATE DATABASE STATISTICS
The shire farm land rate data base and GIS aerial mapping photos were used to quantify
accurate data regarding total farm land area, median land parcel size and general land
attribution to an agriculture production system.
Table 3 & 4 provide a snapshot of the breakdown of agricultural production land ownership
statistics in terms of average and median land parcel size, number of holdings in defined area
(ha) ranges and land attribution to specific agricultural production where possible to
describe
Table 3. Summary of Shire Farm Land (FL) rate parcels statistics
Parcel
Total no. of eligible FL rate parcels
Total no. of landholders of FL rate parcels
Average Farm land rate parcel size (ha)
Median Farm Land rate parcel size (ha)
Total FL rate area (ha) in the Shire
Parcel data
1289
1126
18 (ha)
15.5 (ha)
23900 ha
Table 4. Farm Land rate database land ownership and agricultural production statistics
Agriculture production
No. parcel
Comment on identification method
system
allotments
Grazing (includes sheep, beef,
alpaca, equine)
524
Beef
234
Vegetables
64
Vines
178
Alpacas
11
Nurseries
14
Equine
75
Olives
Poultry
Horticulture – (hydroponics,
glass houses, sheds, unidentified
crops)
Orchard (Pomme fruit, olives,
cherries, plantations)
Apples – core business
Hay – included in some grazing /
beef parcels
Cherries
Christmas trees
Avocados
Crown / Shire land
Total
15
72
17
33
20
63
3
3
8
5
1289
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Unable to differentiate enterprise type by aerial
photograph but pasture paddocks are visible
which indicate some type of grazing enterprise is
being undertaken
Combination of survey, interviews, shire reports
and aerial photographs
Aerial photographs and survey data
Aerial photograph / visual identification of vines
+ survey data
Survey and MP Alpaca Breeders information used
to identify specific properties
Aerial photographs
Aerial photographs indicating small paddocks and
shelters
Survey data and association membership data
Shire database and aerial photographs
Unable to determine actual intensive production
but broadly determined as horticulture
Aerial photographs indicate the presence of a
tree orchard of some type
Survey and interviews to determine growers
Hay production determined from aerial
photographs – may be linked to a grazing
Survey results and shire database
Survey results
Interviews and survey
Farm Land rate database
24
Land parcel size distribution
A breakdown of the number of land holders for each defined parcel size area that is eligible
for Shire Farm Land rate has also been determined. This demonstrates that there is not
necessarily a direct relationship between land area size and the ability to run an economically
useful enterprise as many small properties are able to satisfy the criteria to receive the Shire
Farm land rate.
Figure 6 provides a breakdown of the number of land parcel size by defined area parameters.
Figure 6. No. of Farm Land rate parcels x size (ha)
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
25
SURVEY RESPONSES
There were 240 respondents to the agricultural survey which indicates a 21.3% return rate.
This response rate is adequate to be confident about the accuracy of the following
information that has been collected from specific questions:
•
•
•
•
•
Quality parameters / benchmarks for cool climate produce;
Sale points – cellar door, farm gate, U pick, farmers market, Melbourne market,
regional saleyard, supermarkets;
Market / distribution demographics (Local, metro, regional, intra / interstate,
export);
Industry association membership; and
Understanding communication and information exchange pathways.
The response to each survey question is summarised below.
Q 1). What agricultural production is currently undertaken on your property?
Responses to this question are summarised by production type in Table 5.
Table 5. Survey response rate and enterprise type
Production type
Beef
Number of survey
respondents
109
% overall response
for 1126 owners
9.6
Sheep
8
0.71
Vineyards / wineries
49
4.3
Alpaca
3
0.26
Horticulture (vegetables,
fruit, berries, avocados)
22
1.9
Poultry
15
1.3
Flowers / nurseries
8
0.71
Olives
14
1.2
Hay
11
0.97
Other – equine, trees
4
0.35
Total respondents
240
21.3
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
26
Q 2). Which method best describes how and where your produce gets sold?
Survey responses indicate there are a range of distribution and sale points accessed by agribusiness to sell produce. Table 6 provides a summary of data collected in the survey that is
indicative of where regional produce is currently being distributed for wholesale and retail
purchase.
Table 6. Distribution and sale points for Mornington Peninsula agricultural produce
Product
Quality
Key market / sale points
Vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
Lettuce, celery, salad mix / herbs
Carrots, Bunching vegetables (asian, dutch
carrots)
Shallots / leeks / parsnips / herbs
Salad mix
Wine grapes
Pinot Noir - 47%
Chardonnay – 26%
Pinot Gris – 9%
Shiraz – 6%
Cab Sauvignon – 3%
Merlot – 2%
Other 9%
Breeders / Vealers
Store purchase and steer fattening
Wholesale markets
Local distribution networks
Farmers markets, Providores
Supermarkets, Green grocers
Food processors, Food services
Interstate markets
Export
Contracts to local wineries
Cellar doors – 30% total sales
Local restaurants / cafes
Wholesale sales
Mail order
Local bottle shops
Beef cattle
Broilers
Chicken meat
Apples
Avocados
Fresh – 1st grade
Apple cider
Apple cider vinegar
Apple juice
Fresh pick varieties
Sour “Morello”
Fresh
Olives
Oil, Table
Strawberries
Mixed berries
Eggs
Fresh
Alpaca
Sheep
Aquaculture
Organic produce
Stud breeders
Fat lambs , Wool
Fresh mussels
Fresh organic – salad and vegetables
Honey
Honey products
Cosmetics
Cherries
Fresh
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Pakenham sale yards
Victorian livestock exchange
Feed lots
Direct “over the hooks” to abattoirs
Contract chicken meat processers:
• Ingham’s
• Baiada
• La Ionica
• Hazeldene
Wholesale markets
Farm gate
Supermarkets
Value adding processing – juice
U Pick – tourists
Farm gate
Melbourne wholesale markets
Local – cafes, restaurants
retail, wholesale, metro, regional
Contracts – supermarkets
U Pick, Farm gate, Farmers markets
Wholesale
Farm gate / Farmers markets
Local, regional, interstate clients
Local market, Wool auctions
Local, metro
Farmer markets, delivery service,
metro contracts, green grocers, retail
Local farmers markets
Retail outlets
27
Q 3). Are you intending to increase your production or diversify your business in
the future?
• 80 respondents indicating YES they are intending to implement a change to their
production system;
• 101 respondents indicating NO to any changes; and
• 59 respondents did not indicate either way.
Examples of responses to either YES or No are summarised in Table 7.
Table 7. Summary of responses to increasing business diversity
Yes
No
• No production increases possible unless
• Aim to double stocking rates through
we can secure adequate irrigation water
pasture regeneration
• Age factor – retiring
• Concentrating on pasture improvements
and fencing to focus on grazing efficiencies
• Input costs are steadily eroding profit
margins for cattle
• Planting lemon, lime trees, olives,
cherries,
• Holding is too small
• Increasing wine production by 25% over
• Green Wedge Zone restrictions
the next 5 years
• At capacity for system
• Value add more to our farm gate / cellar
• Downsizing
door kitchen and increase vegetable and
• Reducing due to kangaroo numbers
herb range
• Biosecurity risks / restrictions
• Considering free range egg farming
• Happy with low intensity system
• Diversification – crop types
• Lack of water so nothing grows
• Producing high quality hay – weed & seed
free
• Identifying potential value added products
for business
• Changing vealer enterprise to steer
fattening
• Leasing more area for cattle grazing
• Diversifying into nursery and orchard
production
• Expansion of sheds to accommodate
additional broiler capacity
• Looking at tourism potential
• Nuts, rare animals and lucerne hay
• Investigating nursery and flower
production
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
28
Q 4). What opportunities do you think exist for agriculture and value added food
production on the Mornington Peninsula?
Analysis of the responses for this question revealed a number of key themes that were
repeatedly referred to throughout the 240 surveys. Comments have been individually
assessed and linked to each theme that has emerged. Results are summarised below:
Water
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
More opportunity with Class A recycled water for irrigation for grazing and general horticulture as we
require Class A for any vegetable production;
The Mornington Peninsula can produce a diverse range of products - herbs, garlic, exotic vegetables,
honey, cheese, fruit, meat - Access to recycled water opens up opportunities to value add;
Would expand our horticultural activities if we had access to recycled water at a reasonable price;
Water security – needs to be linked to long term climate change predictions for the Westernport
region;
The current restrictions on construction of new irrigation dams in Victoria is having an impact on the
development of new and future agricultural production on the peninsula;
The Mornington Peninsula is treated the same as all Victoria with respect to stream flows, which in
the Mornington Peninsula case - stream flows are often flowing out to sea within 5 km of their
source with a large amount of good quality water being lost. The ban forces farmers to attain water
from other sources such as bore-water which may not be suitable for long term sustainable use due
to its salinity /levels;
Access flows when water is available and flexible timing;
Production is unable to be increased unless we secure adequate irrigation water. The neighbours and
ourselves are currently discussing with SE water the possibility of attaining grey water. There appears
to be spare capacity in the system however red tape and levies applicable make this extremely
costly; and
The lack of irrigation water and council red tape are major obstructions to increasing production.
Without the availability of water and support by council it is likely that existing farm production will
be unviable resulting in property owners opting out of rural industries.
Eastern treatment plant at Carrum will be ready to provide class A recycled water for use in the
region, in 2012 – better define who will be the priority users of the water – is a proportion to be set
aside for future agricultural development – incentives for investment where a water provision exists
Land prices
o
o
o
o
o
Unfortunately the land is too expensive to have economic agricultural pursuits without tourism or at
least some kind of novelty/tourist option;
Amount of finance required to purchase land is not feasible to get a proper return on outlay;
Cost of labour and to provide housing too great;
Specialist wine production / restaurant sales can be viable. Price of land & production costs on small
holdings make viticulture unviable. Require larger holdings but then land prices make such
acquisitions difficult. Unrealistic to expect viable food production on all but the largest holdings on the
MP; and
Not many opportunities as the price of land is so expensive and landlords expect high leasing rates.
Soils
o
o
o
o
Soils largely determine potential production on the Mornington Peninsula, except for some intensive
production such as greenhouses and broiler sheds. The red volcanic soils commonly support
horticulture and vineyards and are potentially viable economic units. At the other end of the scale
the poorly structured low fertility soils only support grazing and are not economically viable on the
peninsula as they compete directly with similar productive units with much lower land values in other
parts of the state and interstate.
Very complex question - soils on the peninsula vary from place to place. Also rainfall variability for
such a small region e.g. 1020 mm at Red Hill and 550mm at Pt Nepean.
Better utilisation of agricultural land currently lying idle e.g. fodder production, broiler sheds
Land capability statements could be useful across the region as was implemented by the old soil
conservation authority
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
29
Branding
o
o
o
o
The Mornington Peninsula needs to become more like Margaret River with a better promotion and
advertising campaign;
Creation of a Mornington Peninsula "brand" for produce such as apples, cherries similar to
Mornington Peninsula labelling for wines;
More emphasis on local and regional production with discrete branding and promotion; and
Mornington Peninsula beef brand – many small beef farms could collective produce and market a
brand.
Gourmet - Value adding
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Thought might be given to the development of a local (cooperative) retail outlet for fruit and
vegetables, cheese, preserves, wine and beer. This needs to be ongoing - centralising local farm gate
sales which are costly for individual producers
Co-operatives – e.g. the Mornington Peninsula Olive Association could investigate in sharing an olive
crush or table processing equipment, revitalising Hemphill’s juice operation to save transport miles
and farmers markets with basic, affordable sites for small lot growers;
Boutique wine and food production sold at premium price for tourists – A limitation is the poor
economics of scale though as overall production is too small;
Artisan / organic / niche market / labour intensive produce is limited to tourism and lifestyle farms;
Opportunity for the Mornington Peninsula to become recognised worldwide as Australia's premier
region for high quality chardonnay and pinot noir;
Opportunity to become gourmet food and wine region with high quality, high value added product
and can increase gourmet tourism - see recently published book "Mornington Peninsula Produce to
Platter";
Value added food production could be encouraged to expand especially on smaller acreage;
We could open a small mini Queen Vic market type organisation - e.g. 3 days / week at Balnarring
to sell local produce to include local angus beef; and
The future for these areas appears to be lifestyle farming on a small scale where off farm income
supports the farm. This leads to a range of small enterprises associated with farm production that
lend themselves to supporting farmer’s markets.
Economics
o
o
There are very few viable agricultural businesses on the Mornington Peninsula. Most producers have
some other source of income but choose to live on there for the lifestyle. Intensive farming – is it
sustainable?; and
An emphasis on the value brought to the economic well being of the peninsula by vineyards and
associated enterprises. The wine industry is active in attracting wealth accumulation to the region by
employment and tourism.
Agri-tourism
o
o
o
o
o
One of the premium wine growing regions in Australia which boosts tourism to the region;
Huge - local, metro and tourists want fresh farm gate sales of ALL food;
Endless opportunities - certified Demeter, sell fruit from the farm gate and at markets - would like to
offer morning / afternoon tea during fruit ripening season
Excellent opportunities, the area itself can be brilliant selling point with summer in particular a time
when the regions swells with tourists often eager to spend; and
Endless opportunities - 1.5 hours from Melbourne - Farm gate sales are massive potential but need
community to support local enterprises and the tourism dollar it would extract.
Niche opportunities
o
o
o
o
o
o
Citrus – Lemon and Lime;
Artichokes, Walnuts, Saffron, Truffles, Gooseberries;
Buffalo milk;
Pomegranates; Avocados
Trees – timber lots;
Fodder – lucerne, high quality hay for equine, dairy industries ; and
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
30
Industry expansion
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
No expansion possible for broiler farms on the peninsula so opportunities to further develop the
industry and employment opportunities are limited;
Viticulture with small production of beef, cheese and market gardens has potential;
Apples grow well;
Good question - with a new multi-million dollar plant for chickens they are looking for expansion in
the growing facilities; and
Could develop a "green beef" cattle network and accreditation which council could support and
encourage this;
Would benefit from a larger local oil processor - our fruit currently pressed in Kyneton;
Very few other than vegies and wine; and
I intend to improve my hay by seeding & fertilising. My aim is to produce top of the range pasture
hay with no weeds (eradicate cape weed).
Planning
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Provided the "right to farm" is properly implemented, changes are made to free up retail sales in the
green wedge, shire is sympathetic with rates, small land owners are supported by industry groups - I
believe a good future for sustainable agribusiness on the MP;
Better understanding between planning and what is value adding. Need support from council to work
towards better outcomes for all parties;
MP has little opportunity whilst current legislation is in place in all areas - poultry farmers are unable
to increase production;
Good market size but too many rules an regulations limiting production + too many people with
competing interests;
Flexibility needed in planning scheme to allow for growth in culinary tourism;
Planners need to understand what drives the Mornington Peninsula and the significant impact they
can have on economic development both from a local, state and federal stand point;
Planners need to understand the significant impact they have on financial investment in the region;
To have a sustainable rural activity within the green wedge the planning department and the shire as
a whole should be supporting growers in all activities not a barrier to business;
A value chain is about adding value all the way through the supply chain from both a horizontal and
vertical stand point. The more growers can value add and control costs /processes in their own
supply chains, the greater their ability will be to be sustainable in the long term. Surely this is critical
to the success of the Mornington Peninsula region, if it is going to retain any rural activities; and
The only way this is achievable is through the ability of growers to value add their products from the
paddock to the plate or from the soil to the end consumer.
Organic
o
o
o
Organic production increases in region;
Organically grown food for the Melbourne market; and
Demand for local produce is increasing from food business – e.g. Health food stores.
Equine
o
o
o
Small bale hay - good quality, possibly with pasture - to make the product more suitable for horses
Identify opportunities to supply high quality fodder to the lucrative, local equine industry;
Opportunity for lucerne hay to be grown on certain soil types especially, where water table and salt
incursions are present near the soil surface, to produce high quality hay for the local industry.
Urban / rural tension
o
o
o
o
o
o
Weed and vermin control is a constant issue;
Domestic dog attacks especially at night on animals;
Lack of maintenance of gravel roads, Cattle trucks have difficulty with tree overhang;
Plastic contamination in hay samples, Rubbish dumping;
Rabbits, birds damage – lorikeets; and
Kangaroo populations in adjoining nature reserves are invading paddocks and destroying pasture but
no culling program is available.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
31
Q 5). Are you a member of any local industry associations?
This question was asked to determine which types of industry networks were well
established in the region or where there were opportunities for the Shire to facilitate
stronger linkages between key stakeholder groups in the future.
The top five industry organisations that land holders are linked into are all locally based
including the local Victorian Farmers Federation branch. In total 116 out of 240 or 48% of
respondents were linked to at least one industry association to keep abreast of new or
emerging technologies, keep up to date with relevant regulations or quality assurance
guidelines and general awareness raising of issues of relevance. See Table 8 for summary of
industry membership details.
Table 8. Local industry association membership
Industry organisations
1. Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association (MPVA)
2. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)
3. Mornington Peninsula Tourism (MPT)
4. Mornington Peninsula Gourmet (MPG)
5. Mornington Peninsula Olive Association (MPOA)
Land Care
Mornington Peninsula Fruit Growers
Meat & Livestock Australia
Mornington Peninsula Tourism - Hinterland
Mornington Peninsula Tourism - Westernport
Fresh @ the Farm Gate
Mornington Peninsula Alpaca Breeders Association
Demeter Biodynamic Ag
Truffle Growers Association
Nurseryman’s association
Seed growers Association
Victorian Cherry Association
Avocados Australia
Australian Blueberry Association
No. of responses
30
25
13
10
7
5
5
4
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
Q 6). How do you access new research / technology for your enterprise?
Key communication and information exchange pathways for knowledge and awareness of
new technology for respondents included:
1. Internet
2. Field days
3. Industry associations
4. Industry publications
5. Newsletters
This data is important to identify appropriate landholder engagement and communication
strategies for dissemination of timely and relevant information. For example – the use of
E Bulletins, the Shire web site and other methods of signposting for information access.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
32
Q 7). Is there any other general information regarding agricultural production
you may like to include in your input?
Summary of responses
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Successful agriculture on small acreage is reliant on value adding e.g. wine &
cheese making, Olive oil;
List of contractors for land management e.g weed control;
High value land impacts on profitability of new enterprises;
Farms are small and is only part of my total income but we still provide
employment to a range of local rural contractors – fencing, vets, stock agents,
transport etc;
Land is too expensive for commercial and profitable activities;
Dwellings in the Green Wedge Zone where they can produce farm goods for sale;
Would like to see a return to land capability statements as was implemented by
Soil Conservation Department;
An emphasis on the value brought to the economic well being of the peninsula by
vineyards and associated enterprises;
The wine industry is active in attracting wealth accumulation to the region by
employment and tourism;
Farmers and agriculture do a lot to maintain and present the countryside in a
favourable light to visitors;
Problems with the interface between urban and rural dwellers who do not fully
understand and appreciate the importance of timely agricultural management
operations;
Need for more action on weed / pest control;
Big opportunities when Class A water is available from the Eastern Treatment
Plant;
We are very focussed on becoming sustainable in everything we do;
Believe it is important to maintain agricultural production on the Mornington
Peninsula;
Increased salinity and climate change areas need more research.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
33
SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 landholders who were representative of
key production systems. The focus for questions was around the themes below:
o
Identification of the range of agricultural production systems within the shire ;
o
Update knowledge on the value and contribution of agriculture to the regional
and state economy;
o
Determine the quantity and value of production on a per industry basis (tonnage,
total area grown, quality, $ value);
o
Identify key networks that support research and development, capacity building,
marketing and strategic funding opportunities;
o
Summarise key markets for produce – local, regional, intra / interstate and
export points of sale; and
o
Highlight opportunities for raising the profile of agriculture and value added food
and its productive value within the shire.
A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis was compiled to
summarise the semi-structured interview responses that were undertaken with a number of
agribusinesses in the region.
Assessing the status of regional agricultural production strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
and threats through a SWOT analysis offers powerful insight into the potential and critical
issues affecting future project planning, prioritisation and implementation of effective rural
development activities.
Table 9 summarises the key responses and issues raised from the interviews. These results
along with the survey data provide solid baseline information from which future project
prioritisation and planning platforms can be developed and implemented in collaborative
partnerships between the shire and agribusiness for mutual benefit.
Production data was compiled from information gathered from the semi-structured
interviews, survey data and other data sets as outlined in the project methodology. Table 10.
summarises the variety of agricultural produce grown in the region and outlines the
following:
o Specific product type;
o Quality and Quantities (where available);
o Average current price units received; and
o Approximate total industry estimated value of gross production (where confidence
in data enables accurate estimates to be made).
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
34
Table 9. Agriculture on Mornington Peninsula – SWOT summary
Strengths- positive attributes, tangible and intangible, internal to the region.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Location is an asset as we are close to large population and consumer
markets which are easily accessible;
There is a broad scale and diversity of production across the region;
Seasonality of production is linked to crop adaption & varieties;
The Maritime climate – provides a “heat sink” to buffer temperature impact
on crop production, especially ripening period, ensuring production
consistency and high quality;
The region is capable of producing high quality / premium product –
reflected by numerous industry awards;
Strong industry networks for chicken meat, beef, vegetable, olive, alpaca,
wine, fruit growers;
Tourism access – approximately 5 million people visiting the region each
year;
Soil type and agricultural production systems are strongly linked to maximise
yields;
The region can produce fresh produce across 12 months enabling a broad
varietal mix of crops and livestock;
Wholesale markets and regional saleyards are in close proximity for daily &
weekly sales of large produce consignments;
Lack of frost enables certain vegetables to be grown all year round;
Landscape vista is highly prized particularly for its amenity value both locally
and its appeal to tourists; and
Substantial private land management delivers public benefits in terms of
landscape appearance all year round.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Weaknesses – are factors within your control that detract from your ability to obtain
or maintain a competitive edge. Which areas might we improve?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Poor strategic agricultural profile for the region – region not linked to high
level of awareness of actual production capacity;
General lack of awareness of what we “really” grow, how much and when
and where, especially between growers and food retailers;
Minimal Research & Development, Extension investment and support from
Rural Development Corporations due to limited understanding of regional
agricultural production capacity;
Lack of water security in some parts of the shire limits agribusiness
confidence in building productive capacity through capital investment;
Ad hoc land holder and strategic rural networks;
Limited general extension and educational activities and support from DPI,
Vic;
Limited links into other agribusiness networks in interface or peri-urban
shires – at on-ground level;
Lack of access to rural based think tanks, networks and funding grants;
Limited local processing facilities for food production;
Ad hoc communication and knowledge exchange networks on industry
specific issues.
35
Opportunities - What opportunities exist for our region from which we can benefit?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Building collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across the Bunyip
Food Belt to embed food security into an MP rural development strategy
Strengthen the regional profile and brand through promotion and
awareness raising opportunities – trade shows, conferences, regional / rural
events, field days, restaurant networks and trade missions;
Strengthen connectivity between agricultural producers and food users
especially retailers with a regional inventory of what is grown – when,
where, how, seasonality influences, purchasing pathways and local access;
Development of an agri-food trail to showcase agriculture and associated
value added goods links health and educational programs;
Promoting value adding agricultural production “on site” e.g. low carbon
miles, local quality, fresh quality;
Investigate opportunities to strengthen a cooperative Mornington Peninsula
Ag brand – for different enterprises under a collective umbrella (oils, fruits,
beef, vegies);
Identify key stakeholder needs in more detail and scope relevant projects to
access funding and meet needs;
Investigate water security options to build confidence that there is adequate
and timely availability for commercial use outside of the current irrigation
schemes;
Strengthen local, regional, rural, metro, peri-urban networks;
Green wedge zone to review support for appropriate agricultural
opportunities for diversification and expansion especially in the small crop or
boutique production on a micro-scale;
Supporting niche production with planning and regulation – small in quantity
but quality consistency for the high end market – large focus for region BUT
huge potential for casting the net further based in people with less
purchasing power but local enough for day trips to the region;
Implement relevant technical extension and capacity building programs
through DPI, PPWPCCMA;
E – Bulletin – link relevant stakeholders into a regular communication
network through bi-monthly circulation of a “rural roundup”.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Threats – The region is limited in its control but may benefit by having contingency plans
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
“Interface” council status is currently prohibitive of partnership development
with Regional Development Victoria and limits access to rural and regional
funding;
Water security – cost of purchase price unrealistic for some small scale
production systems based on enterprise size and landuse;
Water access and restrictions on pumping amounts, on-farm storage options
and timely harvesting of water from intensive rainfall events;
Unrealistic land prices prohibitive of new investment in agricultural
development– competing against other rural regions where land price is not
as prohibitive to invest in for producing economical viable agricultural goods;
Green Wedge Zone - planning restrictions in rural zone to pursue particular
value added activities and diversified their onsite investment portfolio;
“Right to farm” – amicable interactions with rural and urban is tenuous and
potentially litigious;
Soil loss to urbanisation – landscape shifts that cannot be reversed and
agricultural production restricted permanently;
Climate change – rainfall distribution pattern changing – decreasing by 8% or
50mm / decade;
Urban growth and amenity aspirations for rural living faced with pollution,
noise, traffic, spray drift, odour etc causes tension and complaints;
Visual intrusions to landscape e.g. An increase in hot houses, netting, road
infrastructure etc that alter the MP natural environment;
The presence of stray town dogs, vandalism & trespass, noxious and
environmental weeds, theft, rubbish dumping and contamination of pasture
and hay products with plastic; and
Kangaroo populations are encroaching on private land to graze pastures
resulting in ruined fences, potential road hazards and decreased productive
capacity of livestock systems.
36
Table 10. Agricultural production data for the Mornington Peninsula Shire
Product
Quantities
Price units (ave)
Industry impact
Estimated annual gross value of
agricultural production
Vegetables
Tonnage values hard to estimate
30 commercial growers in the
region
Based on market demand
and supply
Significant vegetable and salad mix
production region for Victoria
$170 million based on average weekly turn
over estimates (VGA & ABS, Farm
Consultant)
Wine grapes
200 vineyards
900 ha
6100 tonne yield in 2008
Ave yield 6.8 tonne / ha
$ 2500 / tonne of grapes
dependent on quality
Beef cattle
25000 – 30,000 head / year by
livestock carriers
$1.75-1.8 / kg @ 600kg
animal = Ave $1000 / hd
On average small grazing unit’s with
high feed availability
$ 25 million livestock and livestock
products
Broilers
125m birds / year
10% Free range component
64 Sheds
72c / tunnel vented bird
69c / non tunnel vented
78.45c / free range bird
111m broilers produced
$80 million
$72.8 million - 350,000 cases @ $ 208 /
case
14.8m free range produced
Total sales generated from MP is
350m / pa
Pullets
9 farms
$10 / bird
350,000 pullets grown / yr
$3.5 million
Eggs
5 farms – 136500 caged birds
3000 free range birds
0.15 c/ cage egg
0. 30c / free range egg
46.4 m cage eggs
1.02 m free range eggs
$6.97 m cage
$300,000 free range
Apples
120,000 boxes @ (12-13 kg) / box
2.50 / kg
4.50 / litre juice
8-10 commercial producers
Emerging tree planting technology has
the potential to increase production
by 50%
$4 million
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
37
Cherries
5-10 t / ha
8 cherry growers
U Pick
Avocados
8 growers
5700 trees
250,000fruit / 2009 season
20 kg / ha x
200,000 trees = 4000tn x 15% x
1.1= 660,000 litres
$1.00 / fruit
2000 tonne fresh fruit
8 million punnets
$2 / punnet
Olives
Strawberries
Mixed berries
$7 / litre wholesale
$ 15 / bottle retail
$ 12/kg – table olives
Hay
63 properties producing some
tonnage of hay
$40 - 45 / round bale
Alpaca
600 breeding stock
17 properties
$1500 / per stud male
$1250 – $15,000
Sheep
Ad hoc – estimates 5% of total
livestock – 5000 hd
Small industry with 3 main cherry
producing farms + some apple
orchards growing cherries
Small but strategically timed
production to meet out of season
demand in the Melbourne market
Current planting estimates at
250,000 trees
$ 8-10 / kg @ 100 tn = $1m
MP Shire accounts for 10% of
Victorian strawberry production
$16 million
U pick facility generates 300,000
tourist / 6 month growing season
Most hay is being produced for
internal property usage
Hay quality is questionable and mainly
grass pasture
Breeders is committed to the
development, promotion, and
marketing of quality alpacas and their
fibre
Small industry in the region with
many people citing dog attacks as a
reason they have shifted to cattle
2009 - $250,000
Projected increase to 2m < 10 yrs
$4.6 million
$2 million
(ABS 2006)
No accurate data available
$ 5 million (ABS 2006)
Fencing upgrades would be needed if
replacing cattle with sheep in system
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
38
Aquaculture
Mussel farming
Commercial fishing
$ 1.80- 2.50 / kg
Wholesale
Promotion – region offering some of
the largest and cleanest waters
located close to markets, labour and
established infrastructure
590 ha farms
10 m - Aquaculture potential 805 hectares,
400 jobs $15M turnover
Truffles
Yield potential -
$ 2000 – 3000 / kg
Truffles - Industry establishment
phase
NA – Crop establishment and
industry development phase
Saffron
5 saffron growers
$ 35 / gram
1 kg of saffron from crocuses stigma’s
=> 250,000 flowers must be hand
picked, dried and bottled which is
incredibly labour intensive.
NA – Local industry establishment phase
Dairy – goats
170 goats / one main herd
Price units not available
NA
Nursery / flowers
Large scale production nurseries
scattered across the region
Wholesale focus
175 milking herd producing 100,000
litres / annum
Significant production in the region
according to the Nursery & Garden
Industry, Victoria however no
accurate figure available
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
20m ( ABS 2006 estimates)
39
FOOD BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS
The food business sector across the Mornington Peninsula Shire has been identified as an
important stakeholder in this project. As an end user of fresh and / or packaged produce in
their business on a daily basis, this audience was targeted to gain a better understanding of
what opportunities or restrictions exist that influence the ability to utilise as much local
produce as required to meet your food processing and customer needs.
440 surveys were sent to local business identified from the Shire’s Environmental & Food
Health database. There were 50 respondents indicating a return rate of 11.36%. Feedback
regarding the purchasing capacity and use of local produce were deemed relevant to the
audit by providing a snapshot of where gaps in awareness of local produce networks exist
and what type of local produce is sought for processing. A summary of this relevant
information has been included, however there is more detailed dialogue required with this
target audience to qualify statements made and quantify produce needs in more detail.
Q 3). Would you like to be able to purchase more local produce to use in your
business?
24 respondents indicated they would like to be able to source and purchase increased
amounts of local produce for their business. Examples of products people would like to be
able to source locally are summarised in Table11.
Table 11. Summary of local produce purchasing requests
Product type
Quantity
Frequency
(amount in order)
(eg. all year, seasonal)
Fruit / veg
Seafood
Juice grade apple
Strawberries
Various
2 tn / day
6 kg / week
All year
All year
All year
Seasonal
Cherries
3 kg / week
Seasonal
Figs
Potatoes
Artisan bread
Locally harvested
native herbs + spices
Eggs
Free range meats
Poultry
Lettuce
3 kg / week
10 / week
?
All year
?
10 + kg
2 doz
?
?
?
All year
Week
All year
All year
All year
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Buying outlet
(e.g. Direct purchase,
Supermarket etc)
Farm gates
Local supplier
direct purchase
direct purchase or
wholesale
direct purchase or
wholesale
Direct purchase
Direct purchase
Direct purchase
Direct purchase
Direct purchase
Direct purchase
Local supplier
40
Q 4) What opportunities do you think exist for strengthening networks between
agricultural production and food business's across Mornington Peninsula?
Networking
o
o
o
o
o
Availability of produce , price and
seasonality as well as delivery network
would greatly enhance our ability to
showcase the produce available
Only viable if restaurants know about
such networks and is competitive pricing
Creating more business networks
(meetings, newsletters, internet)
Huge networking opportunities to link
producers to users.
Network meetings, getting to know
others and what they do
Awareness
o
o
o
`Communication / capacity building
o
o
o
o
Websites from producers to business
informing them of bulk purchase price
Direct mail or email
Producers could do a small video of
their product and down load it onto
youtube
Support for producers - many are small
and don’t have the time to both produce
and market their goods
Distribution
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
Signage on farms
Having a show / food fair in one place and
inviting businesses - it is far easier to go and
learn about products in one place
In Europe local councils operate food co-ops,
encourage farmers markets and support
"Farm gate" and kitchen garden scheme
Local buying network with on line access to
buying direct from suppliers / growers /
farmers
Farmers markets / Farm gate selling
opportunities
Strong presence in local shops selling direct
rather than going to Melbourne market
Farm deliveries
The opportunity is there are long as the
wholesaler takes on the middle man position
between the growers and the food businesses
making available smaller, pre-packaged
quantities for B&B's that are self catering
Centralised wholesale warehouse for meat,
veg, cheese, fruit etc - They are available but
the distance between each other makes
purchases impossible
I believe there is a huge opportunity for a MP
distributor enabling food businesses around to
feature local produce and provisions in a
hospitality environment as well as retail
41
DISCUSSION
Unique regional characteristics (including soil types and climate) mean agricultural
production across the Mornington Peninsula Shire is rich in diversity and scale of production.
The regional area for agricultural production is approximately 240 km² which is about 33%
of the total land mass (720km²).
This figure of 240 km² for agricultural production in the landscape has been calculated from
the total amount of hectares of land parcels that qualify for the farm land rate in the shire.
To qualify for this rate, landholders must be able to demonstrate that some level of
agricultural production is being implemented on this parcel with the purpose of deriving a
profit, currently or into the future.
The remaining 40% of the rural zone comprises bushland reserves, crown land, recreational
reserves, national parks, water reservoirs, roads and water ways, equine facilities and
lifestyle holdings that do not qualify for the farm land rate.
Agri-business structure
The survey data was able to provide a snapshot indicating there is solid mix of scale and
diversity of agricultural production in the region. Intensive horticulture (grapes, vegetables,
salad mix and berries) and intensive chicken meat farms generate substantial amounts of
produce and contribute strongly to the Port Phillip and Westernport figures of 15% of state
agricultural production on 4% of the land. The beef cattle components of the landscape
represent small, separate production systems but collectively numbers are quite substantial
for the area.
Many businesses are of a micro-nature due to land size, labour units and gross annual
production and rely heavily on meeting top quality benchmarks for economic returns.
Results do show a strong focus on high quality product and quite specific sale points that
indicate lucrative price markets are targeted to generate profitable returns. However, it
must be stated that detailed economic analysis of business viability of enterprises has not
been undertaken to date. Feedback from respondents indicates that profitability of
agricultural production systems is constrained by the following factors:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Rural land prices in the region
Land size restrictions on production capacity and capital investment infrastructure
Insurance costs
Energy costs – especially electricity
Input costs – fuel, fertiliser, chemicals etc
Commodity prices
Rates and tax levies on land parcel values
Return on Equity potential
Off – farm income supplementation to support agri-business
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
42
Land ownership demographics
There is also quite a large degree of absentee land ownership. In such a small rural region it
could be indicative of the following:
•
A fragmented rural production landscape where off-farm pursuits for income are
quite high and farming is only seen as a part-time business or hobby focus;
•
Investment in technology is limited and systems are not pushed to the limit to
maximise yield and profit, thus maintaining soil health and ground cover especially
where stocking rates are lower than their potential; and
•
Low maintenance agricultural production systems are undertaken such as beef cattle
enterprises which focus on store cattle and fattening operations which are less time
intensive and do not require constant presence at critical times such as calving.
Data collected from the GIS aerial maps supports the above assumptions with approximately
750 properties identified as a grazing or in some indentified cases more specifically beef
cattle properties, with a median land parcel size of 15.5 ha. The small parcel size and annual
production generated could be seen as indicative of the role of agriculture in the landscape –
very minimal focus on it as a commercially viable core business.
Therefore, the following questions need to be clarified to better determine what role
agriculture does play in this region and importantly what vision the council has for its
position in the landscape in the future:
1. How do we better define the agricultural component of the Mornington Peninsula in
terms of role in the landscape given the current 30% urban - 70% rural commitment?
2. Does commercial agriculture have a long term position in this peri-urban landscape?
If yes, how, where & why?
3. What type of rural profile does the region want to strengthen as a reference point
to regional identification and branding?
Given the current estimates of the value of agricultural production, there are numerous
opportunities for the shire to have an active and integral role in ensuring the peri-urban
nature of the region is embraced and looked upon as an important asset.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION
The report has detailed the scale and diversity of commercial agricultural and the multidimensional contexts by which it needs to be valued. Landholder engagement and feedback
has highlighted eight key areas where opportunities are evident in the short and medium
term and do not require significant funding investments to achieve tangible outcomes.
In the longer term, leveraging increased internal and external investment and collaborative
partnership building will have the potential to generate multiple benefits to the region in
terms of economic, environmental and social resilience. Agribusiness related opportunities
from the audit have been identified and are aligned, where applicable, to specific
recommendations from the Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agri-Business in Outer
Suburban Melbourne. They include the following:
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
43
BUNYIP FOOD BELT (BFB)
The Shire is already committed to its support and involvement in the Bunyip Food Belt
project. Through the continued protection of highly valuable agricultural land from urban
growth, provision of water security for production and establishment of a major food
distribution centre in the region, these strategies embed critical long term commitments to
food availability within close proximity to a large population of consumers.
Representatives from Casey, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula Councils and water
authorities have set up a working party to scope a pre-feasibility study, with the ultimate aim
being to re-use up to 26 gigalitres of water each year of the 120 gigalitres per annum southeast outfall that discharges at Gunnamatta (2009 Dench et al).
The Bunyip Food Belt project primarily looks at engagement and implementation strategies
with large commercial scale growers. Intensive horticulture therefore is a flagship for
exploration of water allocation and identification of landscape potential in a region where
further development could occur.
The shire has an integral role in identifying areas within the region where potential
expansion of activities may be encouraged on specific soils types. Understanding soil type
and identification of any constraints through soil analysis and interpretation is critical for any
production system. Various management techniques can be implemented to reduce the
impact of some soil characteristics on yield whilst some soils may need to be reviewed and
matched to alternative land uses to ensure long term sustainability.
Detailed soil mapping will help identify more specific land use zones including where poor
soil quality could still have a role in supporting intensively farmed enterprises such as
poultry, hydroponics or fodder production. By-products that are traditionally destined for
landfill could be redirected and used as organic carbon sources to build soil fertility and
production capacity. Analysis of the Bunyip Food Belt Land Capability and Environment &
Cultural Heritage Assessment report needs to be undertaken to determine what localised
land capability issues need to be addressed in a regional context.
Also, the expansion of agricultural productivity may not necessarily be limited within the
Tyabb Intensive Agricultural Zone as is currently earmarked. There may well be other areas
within the Special Port Zone that are well suited to specific agricultural activities.
The Shire commitment in the Bunyip Food Belt project aligns with the following
recommendations from the Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer
Suburban Melbourne:
Recommendation 1
That the Victorian Government ensure that future iterations of Melbourne metropolitan strategies,
including Melbourne 2030, recognise the importance of agriculture in the Port Phillip and Western
Port region.
Recommendation 60
That the Victorian government encourage the development of clusters of hydroponic greenhouses in
those peri-urban areas which are unsuitable for soil based agriculture and have access to Class A
recycled water.
Recommendation 84
The Victorian government develop a comprehensive food strategy for the Melbourne region which
integrates agricultural policy with land use planning.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
44
SUPPORTING VALUE- ADDED PROCESSING IN THE GREEN WEDGE ZONE
A key theme emerging from the audit is the price of rural land within the shire. The
increasing land values limit people in their financial capacity to purchase extra land.
The average holding size is less than 20 ha and opportunities to increase productive capacity
by land size are limited by land purchasing barriers.
Investigating how current planning regulations in the Green Wedge Zone can support value
adding in terms of food processing and sales, agri-tourism ventures or capital investment is
critical for long term business risk management. This may ensure a long term agricultural
focus is maintained but free up planning restrictions to enable on-farm value added strategies
to be implemented.
Interactions with the Strategic Planning unit have been occurring, but in a limited capacity up
to this point. This is because the audit has focused on determining current production
baselines and identifying issues associated with business risk management and expansion
pathways on farm land in the region.
The support for value adding and direct sales within the Green Wedge Zone align with the
following recommendations from the Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness
in Outer Suburban Melbourne:
o
o
o
Recommendation 64 - That the Department of Planning and CD – consult with interface
local councils on amendments to the Victorian Planning provisions to allow the direct sale of
value added produce in the green wedges.
Recommendation 65 - That the Vic government ease restrictions on farm shops in the
green wedge zone
Recommendation 66 - The Vic government assists with organisations across peri-urban
Melbourne to conduct studies of local food supply chains and develop provedoring or similar
services, with the aim of supporting local producers and increasing the consumption of local
produce
MORNINGTON PENINSULA BRANDED PRODUCE
There are hundreds of small acreage, existing operations scattered across the peninsula
landscape who minimal impact in terms of price setting for product. Cooperative type
arrangements have been suggested by both survey respondents and interviewee’s as possible
outlets for establishing a Mornington Peninsula regional brand that signifies the many aspects
of the region that are appealing to the consumer e.g. quality assurance, freshness, local
effort, carbon & food miles, environmental management , transport efficiencies and triple
bottom line elements more strongly aligned to product branding.
Collectively, many of these small producers would be able to provide a consistent supply of
product and connect individual producers within an industry in some way to become more
significant as food producers.
The beef industry is an example where people have indicated they are very interested in
increasing stocking rates, improving pasture management and overall productive capacity in
the region. There has been support from retailers for an MP Beef brand to compliment the
local fruit & vegetable accessibility that the region has on offer.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
45
Strengthening regional branding also provides the opportunity to enhance the experience
and satisfy the taste desire of the increasing tourist visits by the culinary consumer to come
and savour regional produce. By better promotion of what defines the Mornington
Peninsula Region in terms of food, wine, seasonality and climate, a stronger identity and
connection with food and artisan product has great potential to tap into the consumer who’s
awareness has been raised through various mediums such as television, newspaper, internet
and word of mouth.
Exploration of cooperative ventures linked to market demand is an exciting opportunity for
the region to become more entrepreneurial and strategic is its approach to encapsulating
regional attributes as a strong selling point. Mornington Peninsula Gourmet has branding
labels available for individual products made in the region which is a good starting point.
There are already solid linkages between the Shire and Mornington Peninsula Gourmet
which provides a good platform from which further projects may develop that take a
strategic approach to branding and awareness raising in a whole of region context.
The support for strengthening awareness of fresh quality produce and connections to the
region through a strategic brand align with the following recommendations of the Inquiry
into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer Suburban Melbourne:
o
Recommendation 74 - That the DPI examines the feasibility of establishing a “Melbourne”
food brand or similar to identify and promote locally produced food.
o
Recommendation 76 - That the Victorian Government expand public awareness of the
health and other benefits of eating fresh, locally produced foods.
AGRI-TOURISM
The Mornington Peninsula region attracts approximately 5 million tourists annually for day
trips and overnight excursions or longer holidays. The diversity of produce in such close
proximity, due to the peri-urban nature of the landscape, is huge. Survey respondents and
interviewee’s acknowledge the region is a rich in the variety of production systems that
could become a great connecting pathway between people and food production.
There are a number of business’s who already offer a “hands on” experience in terms of
picking produce or watching farm activities being undertaken such as olive picking, goat
milking, wine bottling and preparation, cooking and tasting local produce. However, there
are opportunities to strengthen the connections between a range of “hands on” experiences
to create an educational and awareness trail throughout the region, focusing on a fresh food
trail providing numerous hands of food experiences with a range of farm produce including
avocados, olives, berries apples, cherries, vegetables and livestock.
These types of experiences could target both local residents and tourists to increase
exposure to the basic fundamentals of food production in an interactive manner and
compliment current tourism strategies.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
46
At a local level there is also an increased need for joint economic development and tourism
projects to further develop the Mornington Peninsula’s agri-tourism product. This form of
tourism, while quite established in the region, has potential to grow further, as identified in
the 5 year Tourism Marketing Development Plan (this plan is to be reviewed in 2010). The
types of projects to be implemented to support agri-tourism include:
• Assisting agriculture businesses to diversify into tourism, thereby having a multi facet
business;
• Promotion of farm gate tourism;
• Strategic branding of the food and wine products of the Mornington Peninsula as a
collective i.e. Grown on the Mornington Peninsula; and
• Paddock to plate local distribution mechanisms to reduce food miles, enhance
promotion of local products and reduce business costs.
Table 12 summarises some immediate opportunities that could be pursued through
collaborative partnerships with regional agribusiness stakeholders to address specific
agricultural development projects.
The support for enhancing agri-tourism opportunities in the region aligns with the following
recommendations of the Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer
Suburban Melbourne:
o
Recommendation 26 - That the DPI partner relevant stakeholders to develop a strategy
to address perceptions of peri-urban agriculture, including publicity and education campaigns
explaining the link between farming and fresh, local and healthy food.
o
Recommendation 67 - That Tourism Victoria provide funding, through peak bodies, local
government or community organisations for agri-tourism training programs in peri-urban
Melbourne.
o
Recommendation 68 - That the Vic government introduce greater flexibility into the
Victorian planning provisions to promote the development of agri-tourism in the green
wedge.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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Table 12.Short and medium opportunities x enterprise type for action
Product
Opportunities
Actions
Wine grapes
Potential to increase in terms of growing,
production, retailing and exporting
Horticulture
Evaluation of potential for increased
horticulture
Engage with MPVA to explore further
development of the wine industry
Explore options to integrate the Cool Climate
Wine Show with Tasmania and New Zealand
Soil land assessments to identify potential for
expansion
Beef cattle
Farm stays
MP Beef brand
Education
Strengthen the educational focus with
primary / secondary school children
Strengthen supply links with the local
regional equine industry
Hay
Broilers
Region has potential to be promoted as
home of the Free range chicken
Apples
New technology has the potential to double
yields
U Pick – is this an option?
Farm gate sales – increase?
Promotion of MP branded apples
U Pick – link to agri-food trail increase
awareness of seasonal window
Farm gate
Farmers market
MP fresh produce – awareness
Cherries
Vegetables
Avocados
Olives
Alpaca
Sheep
Organic
produce
Farm gate sales
Plantation tour / processing plant
Visit olive groves to participate in U pick
Link in to support National Alpaca Week –
open farms across the region which could
be promoted
MP branded lamb?
Demand for local organic produce is
increasing
Identify beef producers that are interested in
exploring options for developing a local MP
beef brand
Exploring educational options – support where
possible
Assess hay quality standards and identify
varieties that may be better suited to meeting
quality and lucrative market standards
Local councils – flexibility of the broiler code to
allow for expansion or redesigning of existing
sheds to encourage a shift to free range to
meet existing and future demand for this
product
Link in with MP Fruit growers to establish a
better understanding of the industry and
development opportunities
Establish contact with the farms and look at U
Pick model in more detail to
Link with Vegetables Growers Association
Victoria to identify collaborative partnerships
for awareness raising and linking producers to
consumers and retailers
Link with the local avocado consultant and farm
manager to assess agri-tourism opportunities
Link with the MPOA to identify collaborative
partnerships to raise awareness and promote
opportunities through shire networks
Establish stronger links with the MPAB to
support industry promotion
Explore opportunities for niche marketing
especially meat products
Establish contact with local organic growers to
review industry expansion opportunities
Promote local organic production with retail
sector Kitchen / garden schemes – U pick, U
cook
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EXTENSION AND CAPACITY BUILDING
There is a great opportunity for the Shire to facilitate the promotion of best practice in land
management across the region. Implementing a rural extension and capacity building
program would be of benefit to the whole region. There is a huge population of small
landholders, including many absentee landholders, who are responsible for basic landscape
management on their holdings but whose knowledge of agricultural and natural resource
management concepts is limited.
Engaging the community to undertake basic training on many facets of land management
would benefit the wider landscape with weed and pest incursions minimised, water quality
better understood and used accordingly, soil, vegetation and pasture management strategies
linked to whole of catchment health and general knowledge and skill building to improve
production system outputs. This process may also identify local rural skill deficits and link to
relevant training courses that promote employment pathways in the agricultural sector.
The support for capacity building within the peri-urban regions aligns with the following
recommendations of the Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer
Suburban Melbourne:
o
Recommendation 17 - That the Victorian government commit to providing continued
support for the work of agribusiness forums in peri-urban Melbourne through the provision
of advice, funding and other forms of assistance.
o
Recommendation 28 - The Victorian Government, in conjunction with the VFF, industry
bodies and interface local governments, provide direct assistance to agribusiness to
implement best practice farming methods which minimise off-farm impacts on neighbouring
properties.
o
Recommendation 33 - The Grow west model of pest and weed control be studied and
expanded, where appropriate, into other areas of the Port Phillip and Westernport
catchment (strengthen engagement with the CMA for regional activities- seems limited at the
moment)
o
Recommendation 34 - Where stray dogs are caught on farms, the DPI and local councils
can actively enforce the strongest penalties for dog owners and organise compensation to be
paid for livestock damage – this has impacted on people willing to produce fat lambs and
have sheep enterprises in general in the region
FODDER PRODUCTION
The GIS Maps indicated a substantial amount of hay production occurring across the region.
There is a great opportunity to establish contact with the local equine industry and
investigate the potential for high quality, locally produced fodder demand by the lucrative
racehorse industry. At present, feedback suggests the quality of fodder produced in the
region is of a low standard containing poor quality pasture species and weeds. Paddock
assessments to identifying plant species and strategies to improve quality for greater
digestibility and energy requirements will identify technical agronomy details that need
attention and knowledge support to adopt new practices.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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AQUACULTURE
The shire has a limited connection to regional seafood production in large quantities. There
are new aquaculture leases coming on line but there seems to be a gap between the amount
of coastline and availability of local fresh seafood and a lack of connection between seafood
and a regional flavour or experience. There is some production but this is limited to a few
leases on Port Phillip and Western Port bay. There is an opportunity to investigate the
potential yield increases and local availability of fresh seafood to strengthen its connect into
the region’s food, wine and tourism networks. The Martha Cove precinct has berthing
facilities approved for future use by fishing vessels to distribute local seafood directly to the
public. It is also conveniently located close to the Dromana industrial estate for potential
processing or value adding of product.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The region has been limited in its capacity to attract research and development levy funding
for technical on-ground projects or extension and capacity building. There is a general lack
of awareness on many levels as to what agricultural production actually occurs in the region.
Regional investment in rural support programs is critical to foster confidence that the value
of the agricultural sector is of the utmost strategic importance for maintaining a vibrant
resilient landscape.
The baseline data generated through this audit has identified specific production and quality
capabilities. This updated knowledge will enable many opportunities to engage with key
funding stakeholders to leverage dollars and support the implementation of projects that
have been identified through the audit. Key funding bodies where partnership building could
occur include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rural R&D Corporations (RIRDC, MLA, HAL, GWRDC, AUS VEG);
Department of Primary Industries, Vic & Regional Development Victoria;
Vic Health / Education & Planning and Community Development;
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority;
Land Care / Sustainability Victoria;
Department of Sustainability and Environment;
Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries; and
Other targeted bodies where a specific need is identified.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire does not exhibit the traits of a traditional broad acre
agricultural region. There is a strong perception of it as a lifestyle / hobby / vacation location
rather than a rural region focussed on large scale commercial production. It has been
overlooked in terms of its current and future productive importance by many sectors. At
the same time it has been identified as an important peri-urban zone on the edge of
Melbourne that has the capacity to supply key markets with a consistent supply of high
quality fresh produce. Relevant recommendations these opportunities link to are:
o
Recommendation 20 - That all land outside the urban growth boundary becomes eligible
for rural grants
o
Recommendation 16 - That the Victorian government determine a funding model which
ensures all interface councils employ, or have access to agribusiness officers
o
Recommendation 47 - That the Victorian government recognise that the interface is a
unique planning area requiring specific planning policies, resources and skills
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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CONCLUSION
The region has the capacity to obtain high yielding quantities of product and achieve very
high quality. However the amount of production is limited by such factors as land parcel size,
soil type, water access, seasonality constraints (temp, rainfall, wind) and economic
pressures on production margins.
Agribusiness provides the foundation for sustainable land management practices and
provides the opportunities for value adding industries to operate in conjunction with
agricultural activities, thereby further diversifying the economic base of the region.
By starting to address productivity and profitability constraints in the short to medium term,
there will be an opportunity to offset some expectations that all future land use potential
can only be linked to sub division and /or hobby pursuits.
Raising targeted awareness of the critical importance of peri-urban agricultural systems is a
great opportunity for this region to place a higher value on the productive worth of the
regions soils and landscape. The capacity for high yielding quality production can now be
quantified more accurately with baseline information collected by the audit. Implementing a
range of agricultural on ground activities will build capacity in landowners to identify how
best to attain the scale to which they would like to manage their production system.
REFERENCES
ABS (2006). Census – Quick Stats: Mornington Peninsula. Canberra
ABS (2006). Agricultural small area data. Canberra
Butler, G. & Associates (1992), Shire of Mornington Heritage Study. Australian Heritage
Commission
Dench, McClean Carlson (2009). Assessment of Recycled Water for Agriculture in the Somerville
– Tyabb area. Melbourne, Victoria
Interface Councils (2007). Mellbourne 2030 Audit. Melbourne, Victoria
Kinrade, P. and Preston, B. (2008). Impact on climate change on human settlement in the
Westernport region: An integrated assessment. Department of Sustainability & Environment,
Victoria
Mornington Peninsula Shire (2009). Economic Sustainability Strategy. Melbourne, Victoria
(2009) “Shaping our Future – One step at a time.” Mornington Peninsula Shire Strategic Plan
Outer Suburban/Interface Services & Development Committee (2010). Inquiry into Sustainable
Development of Agri-Business in Outer Suburban Melbourne. Melbourne, Victoria
Sargeant I, (2003). Soil and landforms of the Mornington Peninsula. Department of Primary
Industries, Victoria
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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RELEVANT WEB SITES
Mornington Peninsula Shire
www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Mornington Peninsula Gourmet
www.mpgourmet.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Olive Association
www.mpoa.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Alpaca Breeders
www.mpab.com.au
Vegetables Growers Association
www.vgavic.org.au
Department of Primary Industries, Vic
www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Department of Sustainability and Environment
www.dse.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority
www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au
South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
www.wpga.org.au/ppp.asp
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
www.rirdc.gov.au
Natural Resource Management Regions
http://www.nrm.gov.au/nrm/vic-ppwe.html
RELEVANT READING
1. Square pegs in green wedges? Landholders and Natural Resource management in
Melbourne’s Hinterland. Parbery P., Wilkinson R. Karunaratne K.
2. Understanding Rural Victoria. Barr N
3. Drivers of Land Use Change. This is a series of papers produced in conjunction with
Department of Sustainability and Environment. The main authors are Quentin
Farmar-Bowers (RMIT), Jim Crosthwaite (DSE), Julia Callaghan (DSE), Carole Hollier
(DPI), Andrew Straker (DSE).
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: SHIRE FARM LAND RATE QUALIFICATION
To qualify for the Shire Farm land rate the following criteria must be met according
to the Valuation of Land Act 1960 – Section 2(1):
“Farm land” means any rateable land:
(a) that is not less than 2 hectares in area;
(b) is used primarily for grazing (including agistment), dairying, pig-farming, poultryfarming, fish-farming, tree-farming, bee-keeping, viticulture, horticulture, fruitgrowing or the growing of crops of any kind or for any combination of those
activities; and
(c) that is used by a business
(i) that has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character;
(ii) that seeks to make a profit on a continuous or repetitive basis from its activities
on the land; and
(iii) that is making a profit from its activities on the land, or that has a reasonable
prospect of making a profit from its activities on the land if it continues to operate in
the way it is operating
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APPENDIX B: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
SHIRE, SURVEY
Postcode_______
1. What agricultural production do you currently undertake on your
property?
Please include where possible the following information - total area of enterprise (ha), tonnage
grown, quality standards - industry grading criteria, etc
Product type
Area (ha)
Yield (t/ha)
Quality specs
2. What method best describes how and where your produce gets sold?
Please include descriptions of sale end points for product (e.g. Farmer market, IGA) or
appropriate box(s) to indicate generally product distribution channels
Product type
Local
Metro
Regional
9
Interstate
Export
3. Are you intending to increase your production or diversify your
business in the future? If so, how?
4. What opportunities do you think exist for agriculture and value
added food production on the Mornington Peninsula?
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54
5. Are you a member of any local industry associations? Yes / No
If so – please highlight
6. How do you access new research / technology for your enterprise?
e.g. Internet, industry networks, newsletters, field days
7. Is there any other general information regarding agricultural
production you may like to include in your input?
Would you like to be kept informed of any rural industry activities in the
Mornington Peninsula Shire?
If so, add your contact details in the box below.
Please return in the REPLY PAID envelope by JUNE 30th 2010
THANK – YOU for taking the time to complete this survey and helping us to
better understand agricultural production systems on the Mornington Peninsula.
Gillian Stewart
Rural Business Officer
Mornington Peninsula Shire
[email protected] or phone 03 5950 1833
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APPENDIX C: ACCESSING LOCAL PRODUCE ACROSS THE MORNINGTON
PENINSULA SHIRE, SURVEY
Business name_________________________________________________
Postcode______________
1. What local produce (fresh or packaged) do you currently have
access to from within Mornington Peninsula Shire?
Product type
Use
Quality / seasonality
2. What method best describes how you access local produce for your
business?
Please include descriptions of purchase points for product (e.g. Farmer market, IGA) or
appropriate box(s) to indicate general product purchasing channels
Product type
Supermarket
e.g. vegetables
e.g. IGA
Farmers
market
e.g. Red Hill
Direct
purchase
from grower
9
Wholesale
Other
e.g. Melb market
Web / mail order
3. Would you like to be able to purchase more local produce to use in
your business? If so, please indicate your requirements or fill out table with detail
Product type
Quantity
(amount in order)
Frequency
(eg. all year, seasonal)
Buying outlet
(e.g. Direct purchase, Supermarket
etc)
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4. What opportunities do you think exist for strengthening the
networks between agricultural production and food business’s
across the Mornington Peninsula?
5. Are you a member of any local food industry association or
network? Yes / No If so – please specify
6. How do you maintain your awareness of opportunities to access
fresh / packaged produce for your business? e.g. Internet, industry networks
7. Is there any other general information regarding local food
production networks you may like to include in your input?
Please return in the REPLY PAID envelope by July 9th 2010
THANK – YOU for taking the time to complete this survey and helping us to
better understand agricultural production systems on the Mornington Peninsula.
Gillian Stewart
Rural Business Officer, Mornington Peninsula Shire
[email protected] or phone 03 5950 1833
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Agricultural Audit
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APPENDIX D: SOIL / LANDFORM MAPPING, MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE
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